Taking care of the physical brain-in relation to the overall outlook on health and nutrition is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of medicine today. Even in Naturopathic circles, at times, the discussion on brain health may be spoken of as a side conversation in relation to another illness or a latent outcome that the body is dealing with. But the reality is, is that it is important to understand that our brains are connect to almost every aspect of our healing and well-being. If the brain’s vital-electrical output is low or sub-optimal; this can create a host of other problems; aside from dealing with other illnesses that the body might be trying to cope with.
As we have spoken of before, the brain has been granted a certain amount of telomeres in the brain, and as we age and time goes on, these telomeres shorten and become damaged for many different reasons. Some of it is related to the lifestyle someone leads, the foods they eat or don’t eat, stress, as well as progressive oxidation that dull the brain’s ability to function at it’s best or highest degree. While the topic of Mind-Body Medicine is certainly nothing new; the healing world is just beginning to come to grips as to how important the brain is when it comes to the connection of healing along with the rest of the body.
Just exactly what steps should we be taking to boost brain health and how soon is too soon? In reality it is not soon enough; the healing has to start yesterday. We must remember that we are now living in a world in which toxic chemicals are surrounding us at all times; many of these chemicals were not around 100 years ago. This being said, we should always strive to always be living in a state of detoxification; these chemicals do affect our brains and need to be purged from the body. Not doing so cuts of the proper electrical circulation from the brain, to the heart, to the body.
The Naturopathic approach to dealing with brain health is a Holistic one: both preventative and one of maintenance. Fatty acids from plant-based sources nourish the cells and help to regulate our emotions; flaxseed can help assist with this process. In addition to this, Vitamins B1 and B12 are absolutely vital to the proper function of the brain. This should be consistent and on-going.
Yet it doesn’t stop there; there are many plant-based herb botanical derivatives that can supplement deficiencies when it comes to our brain health. Some telling signs that our brain and nervous systems reserves are being depleted are shown in patterns of minor aches, pains, fatigue, vertigo, nightmares, chronic coughs, insomnia, depression and so on. Herbal combinations of Bupleurum and Cyperus have shown some promise in the areas of depression, insomnia neurosis and morning sickness. Passionflower has shown promise for anxiety and nervous headaches. The overall aim of these herbs, as well as the foods is to re-wire the brains pathways to be fully functional and work in conjunction with the heart: this is the physical aspect of the Mind-Body connection. Case in point: we have to take the proper precautions to maintain brain health as a precursor as to not even come close to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Preparation is the key, using the best and cleanest foods and herbs available to use puts our jump on maintaining brain health as an advantage. The best of health to you and your families.
Dr. David (Daud) K. Scott N.D.; CHNP.
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NATURES' FIRST PATH: HOlISTIC MEDICINE. 